Letting Go

When someone walks away from your life, the best thing to do is to let them go. Okay, relax, let me explain why. Because hindi naman nakatali ang buhay mo sa person who leaves you. At ang totoo, it doesn't mean that they are bad people (I know, with the exception of some, those who are really bad by nature). It just means that their part in your life is over. Although confusing siya sa simula at di mo halos maintindihan, but eventually, you'll realize it when things are finally over.

Okay, this is not about me and hubbee. I just had a chat with a good friend over Facebook and he shared a not so good news to me. His partner broke up with him for reasons I can't say here. It's a tough situation for my friend now because it was a relationship he had for almost a year and he thought this will not come to an end this soon. And again, this is not about my friend but he inspired me to express my thoughts and views about letting go of a relationship and letting go of someone. 

Truth is, we can love someone and just be happy about it even if we know that it cannot last forever. Wala naman talaga makakapagsabi nun. But we have to put in our mind that it is not about having someone, neither about owning a relationship, but about being happy because you know you have loved someone. There is always a purpose and meaning behind all events and these develop you as a person and a lover. Although you will really have to pass the difficult stages of getting over a past relationship. It sucks, I know, especially in the beginning, but you'll get through it. That's for sure!

Mistakes are part of our lives. Some are done unintentional and some are painful when they happen. They make you realize what you had, what you've lost, and what you've taken for granted. But years later, a collection of mistakes is what we call "Experience". And these experiences will lead us to making the right decisions, and good judgements in the future. They are the ones who will also make us realize that sometimes there are no next times, no time outs, and no second chances.

In this life, we may feel tired of fighting for the same reason everyday. We may feel that everyone is moving so fast leaving you far behind. And we may feel that there's no point of moving on. Yes, there is no certainty in life, in love. But always remember, sa karera na yan, it's not always how fast you get there, but it's on how you played the game. Minsan pa nga, it's better to be like a turtle who patiently moves and enjoys every step of the way, kaysa sa rabbit who runs so fast and missing every simple single detail in life.

Life is indeed full of contradictions. Alam naman natin yan. Sometimes, it's crazy to be sane. You need to fall to fly. You have to learn to know the lesson. You have to give up because you are strong. You have to be wrong to make things right. Nonetheless, life's complexities are also life's source of beauty. Try to think about it. We should cry to laugh again, fall apart to be whole again, and get hurt to love again. Ironic as it seems, but that's how it is. Di ba?!

Not all stories has a happy ending, like what happened to my past relationships. I thought I have a beautiful script na. But it ended the hard way (on my part). I even said to myself that I can't let go of hurt because it's a constant reminder of one love story I never expected to come to an end. Pero na-realize ko, that ending does not mean that I should stop. It became a way of telling myself that there is a new beginning ahead of me, that I really deserve. That I should always be ready for the unpredictable and expect the unexpected.

Na-realize ko din that it's easy to fall but hard to get up and be back on the track. Di ba? Jusmiyo! But I said to myself, that after the storm, I will be a much better person than before. That's the way of life. You don't live it, you learn from it. This is what I've shared to my friend kanina sa chat about my ex:

"I had let go of what I thought I owned... It hurts... Yes... A lot actually... But getting through each day made me realize that the world will just keep on turning and I have to continue breathing even if that person is not around... Hindi naman titigil ang mundo para lang sa heart ache ko... Napaka-special ko naman kung ganun... Kaso hindi... So I got to move on... Face the world after that person ruined it... And prove that I can be better than what that person used to have in me..."

Marami pa ding pwedeng mangyari sa buhay mo after a painful relationship. Time will come that you will realize that the people you meet in life have a purpose. Some were put to test you, yung iba gagamitin ka, and some would bring out the better, if not, the best in you. Some may even cause you pain and heartache, but one must learn to move on. Yun yung sinasabi nilang the art of letting go.

As they say, love has its own reason, destiny has its own way, and karma has its own judgement. If you became happy with the wrong one, how much more when the right one comes along. At dahil naniwala ako jan, nahanap ko tuloy yung taong magpapasaya sa akin. Kaya to my good friend, you know who you are. This is for you. Cheer up. The next best thing is coming!!!

Ang odd lang, after an entry about a lasting relationship, about letting go yung kasunod. Hehe.

Lasting Relationship

Ang isang relasyon, in order for it to last, it must begin with the premise that this is built to last NOT TEMPORARY. A commitment therefore has to be made by the two of you. Isang commitment to be your partner's strength when he is weak and vice versa, and most importantly, to accept the fact that no matter how close you become, you two are still two different individuals.

But how is it to make a lasting relationship?

Hindi ako experto sa pag-ibig. That I will never claim. But what I do share are things na natutunan ko from my past relationships and on the current one. A few points to make your relationship last. First, it is not a matter of compatibility rooted on similar traits, yung mga parehong gusto niyo o ayaw niyo, it's not about that but rather about complementarity. You MUST highlight the things you like and appreciate about your partner. Importanteng naririnig nang bawat isa ang mga magagandang bagay na gusto niyo sa isa't isa.

Secondly, Love is not enough. Hindi lang yan about kiss and sex. Hindi lang yan puro PBB Teens "hug mo ako, hug mo ako". Hindi ganun. A relationship must be renewed everyday and must be built upon something stronger than shared attraction or passion. Work in progress siya. Everyday poses a new challenge. But it's about how far can you go, not how far are you willing to go. A will that is stronger than willingness. Gets?

Third, imbes na hanapin mo yung "Perfect Partner" in him, be one! Don't always find fault in your partner, but instead, be the first to admit your own faults. There is no space for pride in a relationship. And funny thing is, yan ang greatest enemy namin pareho. Ako kasi, ma-pride. Eh mas ma-pride si hubbee. Hehe. But imagine kung pinaiiral namin ang pride namin lagi, hindi kami tatagal. We learned how to set aside pride when things are rough. Salitan kami sa pagpapakumbaba para naaayos agad ang di pagkakaintindihan. But I must admit, mas madalas si hubbee ang nagpapakumbaba sa amin. Gusto ko kasi lagi yung sinusuyo. Hehe.

Fourth, you should know na hindi lang kayong dalawa ang tao sa mundo. You will have to learn to see your place in your partner's world and see him in yours. And much much more. Wag niyong paliliitin ang mundo niyo. Get to know the family, relatives, and friends of each other. Dahil pag nagkahiwalay kayo, you will then realize how small your world is kapag ginawa niyong exclusive to each of you ang relasyon niyo.

These are just some pointers that I can share that so far helped us make our relationship work. Marami pa actually. But in summary, we just really need to realize na ang isang relasyon ay isang complicated matter, which is not for the weak of hearts. In its core is the question: "Is having a relationship really what you want?". If yes, go ahead, there are people like you. If no, go ahead and have the world as your oyster. But never mislead anyone to believe that you are looking for one. Because you are hindering their chance to find their own happiness. Everyone is entitled for one, right?

So for those who are in a relationship, I know it's not that easy. Being in a relationship is a commitment, a responsibility. And for you to make it a lasting relationship, you need to work hard in making it one. May kasama din yang pagtitiis at pain in the process. Hindi lang yan test o quiz na sinasagutan, na kapag nakapasa ka, okay na. Hindi ganun yun. But let's admit it, kahit di madali magmaintain nang relationship, wala pa rin tatalo sa masarap na feeling na may mahal ka at may nagmamahal sa'yo. The best feeling in the world! Madami kasi nun ang wala. Kaya keep that relationship to you and your partner ONLY!

Photo Walk: The Avenue Pattaya

Call Me Maybe

Dear hubbee,

It's the last day of the month of July. Almost one month na ako dito. Can you imagine that?

A few good things are happening. I want to tell it to you sana. I hope we can talk. Here's my number, call me maybe? LOL.

How I wish we can talk more often. I miss that. I miss having conversation with you. Dun sa brown sofa natin. Dun sa swimming pool. Dun sa rooftop. Dun sa kama natin.

Miss ko na yung kinukulit kita. I'm sure miss mo na rin yung kulit ko. Yung ways ko nang paggising ko sa'yo. Yung pag-angry birds ko. Yung pagmake face ko.

I miss you... so much! :(

Cheequita Girls

In times like this, I miss my friends in the Philippines. Those friends that supply my daily dose of laughter before. I particularly miss my cheequita girls Hazel and Drey. Actually tatlo sila, kaso yung isa cheequita pa-girl, si Ash. Hehe. I miss hanging out with them. Whenever I'm with them, it's all about having fun and being care-free. Masaya silang kasama. Mataas ang level nang sense of humor ni Hazel at Ash. Si Drey, sakto lang. Taga tawa. Haha. Bihira kami mabuong apat. Madalas may absent na isa. Pero pag nabubuo kami, walang katapusang tawanan. I swear!!!

They were my agents when I was still a Team Leader. I handled them for more than a year kaya di biro ang mga pinagsamahan namin. Ngayon, proud ako sa mga naabot na nila sa takbo nang career nila. Sa work na din nabuo ang pagkakaibigan namin. Upto now, TL pa din ang tawag nila sa akin. Hirap na silang baguhin yun. Di na din matatawaran ang pinagsamahan namin bilang magkakaibigan. Mga lugar na pinagtambayan namin, mga kwentong pinagsaluhan, mga tawang sabay sabay naming ginawa. There were ups and downs but no matter what, they are my friends for life.

What I liked about these three is that they know how to put the boundary bilang kaibigan ko at bilang leader nila. Never sila nag-take advantage and they respected me as their leader even at times that I had to make them learn their lessons. Actually naging kaibigan ko naman lahat nang ahente ko. Naging extra special lang sila kasi sila mismo ang nagre-reach out sa akin lalo na pag busy ako at tsaka nung times na naghandle na ako nang ibang team tsaka na-promote na ako. And they really listen to me.

It was actually Drey and Hazel first. Nagsimula yung bonding naming tatlo nung palagi kami tumatambay sa KFC sa gas station sa SLEX. Pare-pareho kasi kaming sa laguna umuuwi nun. Sumasabay sila sa akin. Tapos lagi kami nagyaya-yaan tumambay at kumain muna sa KFC. Hanggang sa naging ugali na naming gawin yun. Dun lang kami, magkekwentuhan, magtatawanan. Ang ingay ingay namin sa loob. Madalas kami lang ang tao kasi madaling araw kami nandoon. Kilala na nga kami nang staff nang KFC. Hehe. Di ko na nga mabilang kung ilang importante at walang kakwenta kwentang topic na ang napag-usapan namin doon. May mga seryoso, then madalas, puro kalokohan. Doon nagsimula. We never planned nor intended to be that close. It just happened.

I remember tuloy one time, nung nilihim ko yung getting to know stage namin ni hubbee sa kanila, dun sa KFC ko inamin sa kanilang dalawa. My confession to Drey and Hazel. At sila ang unang nakaalam na kami na ni hubbee. Yun ang pinaka-memorable sa akin. I had to record the conversation and that video became my laughing memory of that night. Every time I watch this video, it makes me smile, it makes me laugh, it makes me happy to have friends like them. They did not judge me but accepted everything just like a real friend.

This video is so hilarious. Pagka-amin ko sa kanila, which dun nagsimula itong nakakatawang conversation, napag-usapan na ang spark. Then naging passionate na ang isa't isa sa topic, actually silang dalawa, then I started recording them. Kasi nakakatuwa talaga sila mag-usap. Hanggang sa napunta na sa kurutan nang boobs, then bumalik sa pagsumbat na nilihim ko sa kanila, then sa zipline, sa Bukidnon, hanggang kay Yaya at Angelina na ginawang Yaya at Angelica ni Drey. Lakas nang tawa ko sa part na yun. Hay! I miss them. Take care girls! Von Viajero misses you so much!

Love For Ice

It seems that thais are in to crushed ice. Just an observation since I arrived here. I think they have this love for ice. The times that I ordered any refreshment, may it be soda, milk or iced tea in any restaurant, may it be fast food or fine dining, or even when I had buko juice at the night market, they put so much ice which makes it so cold. Yes, malaki ang serving nang refreshment nila dito pero ang catch, konti lang maiinom mo kahit pa malaki ang baso kasi sa dami nang ice. At ang crushed ice nila dito is different from ours in the Philippines.

Sometimes I ask them to put less ice. Pero baliktad ang gagawin, imbis na less ice ang ilalagay, less ice ang ibabawas.  Literal na less. Tapos yung iba, di maiintindihan. You will let your hand do the talking. Sign language. Gusto talaga nila nang madaming ice. Hindi ko alam kung style lang nila yun para maka tipid sila.

I asked Marlowe why they have this kind of practice or sort of tradition. According to him, since the weather in Thailand is hot, they had this thing for ice. Sa Thailand kasi, tropical and humid for the majority of the country during most of the year. The area of Thailand north of Bangkok has a climate determined by three seasons whilst the southern peninsular region of Thailand has only two. And that's where Pattaya is.

Ang biro nga nang ilang foreigners, yung two na yun eh hot tsaka very hot. Hehe. But the truth is wet and dry ang two seasons sa Pattaya. But mostly, mainit. They said that the best time to visit Thailand is from November to February when the northeast monsoon is blowing cool, dry air which serves as a respite from the heat. During this cool season daw, the temperature ranges from 18ºC to 32ºC and nights can be particularly chilly and at high altitudes the temperatures can and do drop below freezing. Oooh! Oh well, sanay naman na ako sa init sa Pinas! Di na bago. Pero ang di ko kinasanayan sa Pinas eh ang yaman nang ice sa mga inumin dun. Patipirin pa nga. Haha!

Starbucks

The other day, and for the first time since I got here in Pattaya, I tried having breakfast in Starbucks in Tukom IT Center. That's the closest Starbucks sa apartment ko, 5 minute walk lang. For a change lang kasi lagi lang ako sa apartment nag-aagahan. Yung mga mina-microwave ko na food. Eh bigla ako nagsawa, naghanap ako nang iba naman. Na-miss ko bigla ang favorite kong green tea frappe. Dito, nilalagyan nila nang red beans sa ibabaw ang green tea frappe. But you can ask them not to if you want. Ako ayaw ko. I still want the same plain frappe.

Nagkalat naman ang Starbucks dito sa Pattaya, mostly sa mga mall. Ang kalaban nila dito eh The Coffee Club. Dahil di naman ako masyado coffee lover, kaya natagalan bago ako nag-starbucks uli. Nag-crave lang talaga ako sa green tea frappe kaya naisipan ko mag-starbucks. So I had my food on my table, took some magazines and newspaper so I can enjoy my morning. I was excited to see a page of news from all over southeast asia. Natuwa nga ako kasi dalawang news pa yung sa Manila. Pero eto ang laman nang balita about sa Philippines...

Saya di ba! Haha. While the other asian countries, ang news sa kanila eh opening nang ganitong company, about stock market, visit nang ganito, anniversary nang ganyan, sabay sa Pilipinas, marahas na balita, at dalawa pa ha. Naku po! Kakalungkot. May issue itong Editor-in-Chief nang dyaryo sa Pilipinas. Makausap nga. Hehe. Oh well, sanay naman na ako sa ganitong balita sa atin. Alam mo naman sa Pilipinas, they love to highlight bad things in the news. Kaya mabagal ang progress nang ating bansa. So I decided to just enjoy my breakfast instead. No more reading. Hehe.

45 Questions

Naalala niyo pa ba ang mga nausong question and answer portion sa Friendster dati? Haha. Sinasagot ko talaga dati yung mga yun. I saw one today sa Google, try kong sagutin itong mga ito ngayon...

1. Do you want to grow old with someone or be single?

- Of course, grow old with someone. Mahirap mamatay mag-isa, walang magdadala sa akin sa punerarya!

2. What were you doing at 8:00 this evening?

- Ako ay nasa loob nang sinehan, nanonood nang Step Up Revolution 3D. It's either ngumingiti ako nang palihim nang mga oras na yun or naiiyak nang palihim kasi mag-isa lang ako tapos may katabi akong couple. Saya di ba!

3. What were you doing in the last 30 minutes?

- Hmmm.. Nagba-blog. 
  

4. What was something that happened to you in 1998?

- Naku, ako po ay aktibo sa pagseserbisyo sa simbahan nang mga taon na yun. Banal-banalan pa ako noon. Most likely, something about the church yun. One of the best chapters of my life. Seriously!

5. If you were stranded on an island with the person you hated and without food what would you do?

- Cannibal Holocaust na ito. Itatali ko siya sa ibabaw nang nagbabagang apoy hanggang sa masunog ang balat niya. Kapag marupok na, tatadtarin ko siya nang pino. Tapos igigisa ko, then kakainin ko? Hell no! Ikakalat ko sa sea, para may food ang mga shark! Ganun.

6. When someone catches your eye, do you try to make an eye contact or avoid it?

- Haha. Wala akong powers sa ganyan. Either yumuyuko ako o lumilingon somewhere. Di ko kaya. So avoid ang answer.

7. What color is your hairbrush?

- Brown. Brown kasi ang kulay nang kamay ko. That's my hairbrush. Hehe.

8. What's your favorite filipino ulam?

- Tocino. Nothing else but tocino. Then the rest are next to tocino!

9. How do you know when you're in love?

- Kapag di ko siya maalis sa utak ko. Kapag gusto ko lagi akong nagse-spend time sa kanya. Ganun.

10. Have you been to China?

- Sa China Town lang. Hindi pa sa bansang China. Ay wait, sa Hongkong nakapunta na ako. Di ba China din yun? LOL.

.

11. Where do you keep your money?

- Sa wallet ko. Pero yung keep na yun, pansamantalang keep lang. Di tumatagal ang pera sa wallet ko. Gastador talaga ako.

12. Do you wish you were back together with any of your exes?

- Nope! No turning back. Pag tapos na, tapos na. Pwede pang maging friends pero love uli, malabo na.

13. Do you like peanuts?

- Oo kahit peepee nang babae ang una kong laging naiisip pag sinasabi ang peanuts. Mga cashew at pistachio ang gusto ko.

14. Have you been to the USA?

- Yes. Twice. At sana maging thrice pa!

15. Dream country?

- Philippines!!! Ewan ko ba. Love ko talaga ang pinas? There's no place like home.

16. The thing you love about relationship?

- That there is somone that I can hug and hold hands all the time. That there is always someone who can listen to you. Lalo na sa baliw na katulad ko.

17. The thing you love about being single?

- Being free from any guilt. You can do whatever you want to do, without limitations. But I don't love to be single. Period.

18. Would you give up a dream for someone you love?

- Maybe. I haven't tried. I haven't been to that situation. I'm lucky that hubbee has always been supportive of my dreams.

19. Do you wanna cut your hair?

- I've done it for years. Any type of scissor lang ginagamit ko, basta matalas at walang kalawang. Pero pag masyado nang mahaba yung sa likod, I seek for professional help na. Ang hirap kasi di ko makita.

20. Are you over the age of 25?

- Yeah. Pakshet! Salamat ha!

21. Do you talk a lot?

- It depends kung sino kausap. I talk a lot when I give advices. Passionate ako dun. But most of the time, I'm the listener.

22. Best movies you've seen from the past 2 weeks?

- Step Up Revolution and Batman. The best!

23. Last food you ate?

- Crepe na binili ko lang jan sa baba. Mobile ang mga bilihan nang crepe dito. Parang fishball, ganun. Ang sarap at mura pa. 20B lang!

24. Do you believe in love at first sight?

- Hmm, ano ito, PBB Teens? Attraction at first sight, oo. Pero love, hmmm. Di ko pa na-experience so I can't say I believe in it.

25. Favorite ice cream?

- Lahat nang flavor basta ice cream papatulan ko. Kaya ko kayang umubos nang isang gallon in one day. Hehe.

26. Could you date someone who has been only your friend for a long time?

- Oh my! No way! A friend is a friend. Let's stick to our business. No changing of hearts.

27. Are you typically a jealous person?

- Waahhhh!!! Sobra!!! Hehe.

Choose only ONE

28. Hard or soft?

- Na ano? Be specific please.

29. Milk or beer?

- Milk. Not a beer drinker.

30. Facebook or Twitter?

- Twitter. Boring na ngayon ang Facebook. Magiging Friendster na yun soon. Masyado nang complicated ang mga upgrades and enhancements nila.

31. Science or math?

- Pwede bang Geography or Math na lang? Para answer ko geography. Hehe. Mahilig ako sa mga bansa bansa, flags, landmarks, at kung ano ano pa. Best in Social Studies kaya ako!

32. Girlfriend or Boyfriend?

- Wag nang itanong ang obvious! LOL.

33. To be late or never?

- Never. I hate latecomers. Although I had my misses. But I'm always very particular about time.

34. Blackberry or iPhone?

- Blackberry and iPhone. LOL.

40. Photographer or Model?

- Ang alin? Ang iuuwi ko sa bahay? Haha. Photographer. I like photography.

41. Cigarette or Alcohol?

- None of the above. I don't smoke and I don't drink. Not my thing.

42. Skin-head or Long hair?

- Depende sa mukha. Kahit naman ano piliin ko jan pag di bagay sa mukha, wala din. Ayusin nga mga tanong! LOL.

42. Dad or Mom?

- Sorry dad, you know that I'll choose mom whatever happens!

43. Guitar or piano?

- I can play both but I'm more at ease in playing piano.

44. Kiss or Sex on first date?

- Jusmiyo! PBB Teens na naman. Haha. Wala. Try naman magpa-cute nang kaunti.

45. Someone who likes you but you don't like or Someone you like but don't like you?

- Shet, mas painful naman yung I like but doesn't like me. Pero it sucks naman yung someone likes me but I don't. Ang hirap!!! Ayoko na nga!!!!

Photo Walk: Malls Of Bangkok

The Thailand Daily

The owner of My Blogworld or @GoodBlogPosts46 in Twitter collects blogs all over the world and compile it in one site. I was fortunate to be included in The Thailand Daily. Free publicity na din yun. Pampadagdag traffic. Then I realized, to have a good blog traffic here in Thailand, I have to keep an english language in my blog. Waaah! Nose bleed! That's what I did to my travel blog before so it can cater to audience around the world who wants to explore our country. Pero I want to have a life blog lang this time where I can express myself in all shapes, size, and form. LOL.

But it suddenly made me wonder, how far did my blog reach the world now after a month I created it... Hmm. I got curious and checked the Stats Report of Blogger.com. I was surprised to what I have seen. Dito na pala umabot ang aking simpleng blog.

Alam ko, may kilala ako na nagbabasa nang blog ko sa US, Singapore, Thailand, UAE at UK. Pero nagulat ako sa Russia, Poland, Germany at India. Haha! At nagulat ako na marami na rin pa lang bumibisita sa aking kabaliwan sa blog.

Nakakatuwa what internet does nowadays. Your stories can easily reach people from anywhere in the world. Hindi mo na kailangan maging sikat na writer or author para mabasa ang mga sinusulat mo. This is what blog does. For sure, mga pinoy din siguro yung mga readers ko from other countries. Tsaka nakakatuwa yung mga nag-eemail na di mo kilala, sharing their responses about what you write, gives you compliment or asks you to write about this and that. This is what I enjoy about blogging. The endless possibilities. 

Thanks again @GoodBlogPosts46 for the free publicity!

Pledge

Before I met hubbee, and after my 8th failed relationship, nagkaroon ako nang pledge sa sarili ko. Panata na magpapahaba ako nang buntot sa likod hangga't di ko natatagpuan ang susunod na taong mamahalin ko. For 8 months, pinahaba ko siya. Walang nakakaalam nang totoong dahilan bakit ako may buntot. Even my closest friends. Yung iba, gusto siya, yung iba ayaw. Pero wala akong pakialam sa ibang tao, panata ko yun. Hehe.

Until nakilala ko si hubbee. Nung naramdaman kong siya na, at handa na akong pumasok sa isang relasyon, pinaputol ko na siya. Hindi naman talaga ako masyadong naniniwala sa mga pledge pledge na yan pero sabi ko, there's no harm in trying naman. Eh effective naman pala. Kailangan ko lang pala mamanata para dumating ang taong tatagal sa buhay ko. Hehe.

Ngayon, iba na ang pledge ko. Pledge to stay committed in this long distance relationship. Hindi siya madali. Mahirap. Pero namanata kami ni hubbee na we'll make it work no matter how hard it is. Hindi ko na kailangan pang magpahaba nang buntot uli. Ang kailangan ko na lang ngayon is magpahaba nang pasensya, pagtitiis, pang-unawa para humaba pa din ang relasyon namin ni hubbee :)

9th Cafe

Marlowe brought me to 9th Cafe in Siam Paragon Mall for our super duper late breakfast slash late lunch. This was after my trip to Grand Palace and our visit to the Reclining Buddha. I was so hungry at that time and all I want was a place to eat. Kaso nung dinala na ako ni Marlowe sa dining section nang botique mall na yun, andaming choices. Haha. But he recommended to try 9th Cafe because the food is good daw. And so I did.

It is on the bottom level inside the food court area. If you are at the McDonalds, walk straight back. It is not a closed in shop but has tables in the open area. It is right across from the Fish and Chips place. In fairness, masarap ang food for a reasonable price. It is not really a café, more of a restaurant with a great selection of pasta, western and Thai style dishes on offer, all of which are very tempting indeed. The place and ambiance is very posh, very relaxed. Madala nga si hubbee dun for a dinner date. LOL. Next visit, I may try the lemon meringue pie, looks yummy when I saw it!

On Looks & Face Value

The other day, I got a message in BBM from someone (itago na lang natin siya sa pangalang Rayan, LOL) who recently added me and had this kind of conversation. Read for yourself...

I hate this kind of people. And I hate having conversations with them. Unfortunately I had one with him which I didn't expect. Actually, I was honest enough when I said "no" to his question because based from his DP, medyo okay naman. Ikinainit nang ulo ko yung part na sinabi niyang "Sunget naman neto". Nag-liyab tuloy ulo ko. Yung ganito... Hehe.

Okay, since it's BBM, walang tono, walang facial reaction, no body movement or whatsoever, sabihin na nating namis-interpret niya yung sinabi ko. Akala niya nagsusungit ako. But I wasn't. I was plainly just telling the truth that it's hard for me to really tell it because I haven't seen him. I don't even know him. I realized then, why are some people so hooked about their looks. Obsessing on having such great face value.

This is a point of view of someone who has not been gifted with great looks & face value. Okay, hindi ako nagpapaawa or waiting for someone to say, "Uy, hindi naman". Seriously, I have accepted it. Truth to the matter is, it's not so much important to me that it wasn't much relevant to my existence. Let me tell you why...

First, acceptance is the freedom to imprisonment of it. Instead of getting sick of your face problem, why not just accept it and live with it. In fact, it doesn't say if you don't have it, you won't survive in this world. That's not the case. It was not for me at all. I lived my life not minding too much of it. And yes, I said not too much. Because I still somehow did. Who wouldn't? I don't want to be a hypocrite. But I did not get obsessed with it. I guess for some good reasons...

In love, ayan, pagdating diyan, hindi naman ako na-deprive. Hindi naman ako naging single for life. In fact, hindi naman ako nabakante. At hindi po ako nagyayabang. Kahit nung sa other side pa ako. Nagka-girlfriends naman ako. At nung tumalon sa kabilang bakod, nagkaroon pa nga ako nang siyam na relasyon (including hubbee). Hindi ko rin naman masabing patapon yung mga naka-relasyon ko mapababae man o mapalalake, kasi may mga itsura naman sila at magagandang katangian (gusto ko sana i-post mga pictures nila, nahihiya lang ako, haha).

And while I'm single, nagkakaroon naman ako nang mga dates. At hindi uli sa pagmamayabang, I even had a casual sex sa isang kilalang male celebrity at not so known ramp model which I still can't believe it happened. But it did. My face value, same as before and today. On looks, I was never that hunky sexy buff type guy. In short, hindi ko naging puhunan talaga ang mukha at katawan sa buhay para maranasan lahat iyon. Naranasan ko naman nang normal ang buhay tulad sa mga nabiyayaan pero siyempre iba pa rin yung sa kanila. Mas lamang sila sa mga ganyan. Hehe.

What am I trying to say?

I noticed kasi that many single guys nowadays invest so much in their physical attributes rather than their inner beauty. A lot would go to the gym, get their abs, be the sexiest hunk in town but their personality sucks! Mga frequent visitors sa mga clinics, spa, or beauty enhancement shops pero pag nagsalita, jologs! Mga sumasali nang male beauty contests pero nakikipag negosyo sa mga bilihan nang tropeyo kapalit nang isang gabi!

I mean there's nothing wrong with those enhancements, really. If I'm given a chance, I would try some too. Why not. We're all human and our society gives a special treatment to those who looks good. Let's admit that. But we should never ever forget to enhance our inner beauty also. That's my point. Our values, our moral, our personality. Because sa usapang pagwapuhan, oo, hindi yan masyado lilitaw. Kung ano lang ang nakikita nang mata, yun lang yun. Pero sa usapang pag-ibig, pangmatagalang relasyon, which everyone desires of, it's a different story.

Normally, I ask hubbee, why does he love me. Hobby ko yun. I sometime say andami namang nagpapa-cute sa kanya na gwapo, sexy, macho, may dating, kilala, etc. But why does he stay with me. I'm no match with them. Then the countless good reasons are uttered. All based from the strong foundation of a good relationship. He said he would rather stay in love with someone who has good set of values, good moral and conduct, has discipline, has self-control, and an amazing personality (at pinuri ko daw ang sarili ko dito). Sampung tapik sa balikat ko!

Then sabay sasabihing, "di ka naman panget mackee, cute ka nga sa paningin ko". Tapos maniniwala na ako. Haha. Just kidding. 

We may have different views about this but I still encourage people, most especially to the single ones, na be patient in love. Don't compete with the society that put so much emphasis on good looks and face value. Pag minahal ka dahil sa itsura mo lang, pustahan tayo, di yan tatagal! Remember that in love, it's not recognized by the heart. Our heart has its own eyes that sees deeper than the ones in our head. At yun yung masayang love. Yung nagwapuhan yung heart sa tao, hindi yung mata niya.

Pero ako, gusto ko pa din magpagwapo. Haha. Sabay bawi! Not because to attract others, but to feel good about myself, and be a better partner for hubbee. Hindi ko na issue yung pinagsasabi ko dito kasi matagal na kami. Kaya sa mga singles out there, sabay pagwapuhin ang panlabas at panloob na anyo. Pansinin niyo, marami ding gwapo na di matagpuan ang love kasi panget ang ugali nila. Hehe. Sa mga di masyado nabiyayaan, maging inspirasyon niyo sana ako. LOL!

Food Discoveries Part II

Here's another set of food that I have discovered here in Pattaya. 

1. Lemon Flavored Biscuit. I like Ritz but I'm not a fan. I can eat it but won't go gaga about it. But while doing my grocery, I saw this lemon flavored biscuit and it got me interested to try it. And so I bought it. What's expected, it tastes like lemon. Haha. Okay lang siya. Ganun.

2. Ice Cream Cookies. Ibang klase, may ice cream flavor ang Oreo cookies dito. Medyo minty siya na medyo kakaiba yung lasa pero okay naman. When I tried it, I never said I'll buy it again. I can eat it again but I won't stock some. I'd rather go back to the original one.

3. Multi-grained Sour Cream & Onion Pringles. I'm not a fan of Pringles. Same as Ritz, I can eat it when served but won't go crazy about them. But since I'm on a diet, and I only go for those familiar because of language barrier sa mga products sa grocery store, I took this and gave it a try. It's good actually. You would taste the healthy difference from the original one.

4. Cheese Bread. Dito ako naadik. Alam ko may mga cheese bread tayo sa Pilipinas pero di pa ako nakakita nang ganitong klase at eksaktong ganito na cheese bread. The first time I tried it, yung feeling na gusto mo na agad bumalik to buy another one the next day. So when I had a chance again, I purchased 3 packs. Ansarap kasi. Nag-uumapaw na melted cheese tapos may sweet something siya. Pero dahil nagpanic buying ako, after maubos yung tatlo for 2 days, naumay na ako. Haha!

5. Pandan-flavored Bio Yogurt. Dahil mahirap mag-stock nang ice cream for diet purposes (LOL), I buy yogurt snacks for desert. Ma-umay kasi akong tao. Gusto ko may matamis lagi after meal. So to be safe, eto ang binibili ko. Masarap siya. Para siyang Nestle Yogurt Fruit Selection sa Pilipinas. I buy the buko pandan flavor. Mahilig ako dun.

Getting Old

 

I know I have written so many times about this in my past blogs. But my perspective about it keeps on changing. As you keep having new blogs. And as you keep growing old. I turned 31 this year and it was a mental disaster for me accepting the fact that I'm now in the 30's. It seems like it was just yesterday when I was just a kid, so care-free and worry-free about life. But now, I worry about so many things. How to survive in this world. Caring about people you love. Things you need to do to earn money, etc.

I admit. I'm afraid to grow old. So afraid! I'm afraid to lose the strength I'm used to have. I'm afraid to be limited in doing things. I'm afraid of having less opportunity to experience great things in life. If only I can have a choice to stay young, I would do that. If only there's a potion that I can drink so I can maintain my youth, I would drink that. If science can just create something that can make it possible, I would grab that chance. That's how I want to stay young forever.

That's why I live like I will never be young anymore. Para akong nagmamadali lagi sa buhay. Para akong nakikipaghabulan sa oras. Although kanya kanya naman yan. May gusto nang slow-paced life. May gusto nang simpleng buhay at kuntento na sa kung anong meron sila. Yung mga pamilyadong tao. Ako, hindi. Gusto ko habang bata pa, habang may lakas pa, gusto ko nang gawin lahat nang pwede kong gawin. I don't want to miss the chances and regret for the rest of my life when I become old because I wasn't able to do it.

Kalakip nang konseptong ito is to work hard and achieve things. Masaya naman ako sa mga naging accomplishments ko sa buhay. Mga naabot ko sa career ko, mga bagay na napundar ko, mga taong naging kaibigan ko, at mga bagay na natutunan ko in the process. That, I don't have any regrets. Pero sabi ko sa sarili ko, I don't want to be limited on things and what I have accomplished already. I want to explore more. I want to cross boundaries. I want to widen my experience in life. I want to add more beautiful memories in my journey in this world.

And so I started traveling. I then became Von Viajero. Sinimulan ko nun sa Pilipinas. Sabi ko gusto ko malibot ang sarili kong bansa. Gusto kong makita ang magagandang lugar. From Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao. Kaya sa bawat sweldo ko, nag-iipon ako para sa mga byahe. Madami na rin akong napuntahan. And I'm thankful for those opportunities. Seeing different places, people and culture. It's about experiencing it, not just seeing it. That's why I don't mind walking miles, riding their own transportation, and living in cheap hotels. Because that is the journey. The experience.

Then opportunities of seeing other asian countries came, same as the opportunity of seeing many states in US. I'm grateful that I have visited the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Washington DC. In asia, I've only been to Hongkong, Singapore and Thailand. You see, sa Pilipinas, medyo happy na ako sa dami kong napuntahan. Pero worldwide, madami pa akong gustong ma-achieve. Kailangan bago ako tumanda, makapunta muna ako anywhere in Europe, Africa, at South America. 

You see, when you get old, it's hard to see the world na. Ako pa naman, pag gumawa nang itinerary, kinakarir ko talaga. Ma-research akong tao. Gusto ko nama-maximize ko lagi ang place na pinupuntahan ko. Walang kapaguran. Punta doon, punta dito, sakay doon, lakad dito, picture picture. Ganyan. Eh pag matanda na ako, baka isang lugar pa lang napupuntahan ko, hingal na ako. Unlike! When you're old, you can't have the same strength as what you have right now. Ayoko nun!!!

This move to Thailand was part of everything. I have a good career in the Philippines. I've been in the BPO industry for 10 years. It helped me earn the money that I use in my travels at sa mga gamit na napundar ko. Pero naisip ko, that industry will eat you alive. It will make you stuck there for life. Ayoko ding tumanda na ang life history ko eh nag-work sa call center industry for life. Gusto ko ma-experience ang ibang field. Ganun na din ang buhay sa ibang bansa. Kaya kahit nahirapan ma-gets nang ilang tao why I left, this is actually the reason why.

When I grow old, I want a rich history of my life. So many stories that I can go back, reminisce, and smile. I don't want a boring old life na walang mabalikan na maraming ala-ala. Gusto ko pag may nagkwento sa akin na napuntahan daw niya ang lugar na ito, makaka-relate ako kasi napuntahan ko din. Kaya kahit nahirapan akong iwan ang malaking pera sa trabaho ko, I realized, I only have one life to live. And time is running. So as your age. Hindi ko mararanasan ang maraming bagay kapag na-stuck ako sa isang lugar.

Sa buhay pag-ibig, okay na ako ma-stuck ngayon. Nakapag-explore na ako doon. Alam kong sapat na yun. At masaya na ako sa taong natagpuan ko. Yun, masaya akong tumanda kasama siya. But again, going back to the thought na ilang years na ang dumaan sa buhay mo, at di na din ganun kadaming taon pa ang natitira compare when you were still a child. And the fact na there's no going back, nakaka-aning! Yeah, I know I sound crazy. But I know some of you can relate to this. Most especially to people like me. Some will not because their personality is different from me.

I don't want to die, I still want to live. I don't want to get old, I still want to be young. Yan ang mga hiling ko sa buhay. But I know I have no control of it. That's why, while still young, and getting old, and while given an opportunity to live, I will maximize it. I will try new things, I will see the world and explore, I will meet more people, I will gain more experiences.

So don't get stuck with break ups, heart aches, and painful memories. There's so many things in life to be enjoyed. Tama nang umiyak ka once, twice, then that should be it. Get up, go out, and live your life to the fullest! If you're not happy with your job, quit! Find another one. Learn new things, meet new people, get new experiences. If you feel like doing something, or go somewhere, follow your heart! Do it while you can.

That's why for me, I look at it as my journey. My life story. And just like my blog, I wanna write so many things about my life when I get old. How I lived my life, and how I have seen the world...

You, how's your life story so far?

Photo Walk: Streets Of Bangkok